Moving the head office of a leading car manufacturer may be a great big job, but if you're Honda, it's a welcome one. That's because the Japanese automaker has been experiencing growing sales and an expanding workforce to back them up. Honda this week announced that they will build a new head office 'campus' in Markham, Ontario on a 47 acre land parcel near Elgin Mills Road facing Highway 404. Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti is happy Honda decided to move to his city. "We are pleased to welcome Honda to the Town of Markham as one of our top 10 employers. Our results-driven approach to economic development has helped us attract a business and community member that will allow for future growth and continued prosperity."The site will house three separate but connected buildings, including an energy and design centre, a research and development centre and training centre. A one-storey parts distribution building will also be constructed. "The new space allows for greater economic and operational efficiencies, while expanding our economic contribution to Canada," said Executive Vice President Honda Canada Inc., Jim Miller. "Honda considered many options and decided on a municipality that complemented our business philosophy - speed to market, focus on customer service and driven by innovative solutions."Miller's excitement will have to be swayed until the construction efforts are completed, which will tentatively happen in the summer of 2009. photo: Honda
Honda moves to Markham